Atomic nucleus takes two shapes
APR 20, 2009
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.023258
Nature News : Contrary to some expectations in the world of nuclear physics, researchers have found that a radioactive nucleus of sulphur oscillates between two different shapes, sometimes appearing like a sphere and other times like an American football. The result, reported this month by researchers in France, is causing nuclear physicists to rethink prevailing theories about what makes some nuclei stable and others prone to splitting apart.
© 2009 American Institute of Physics
